Visitors to the D.R. Moon Memorial Library got a firsthand look at owls on Thursday, Oct. 23, as the library held its first event in the downstairs community room, located on the lower level of the new library addition.

Erin McMichael, a naturalist with Beaver Creek Reserve near Fall Creek, gave an owl presentation from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., following introduction by library staff.

McMichael started the presentation by asking for a volunteer named Clara and having them model the things that set owls apart, taking on a fake beak, claws, and feather boa as the room was queried on owl traits. McMichael also shared examples of wings, feet, and a bird skull to illustrate owl traits.

Among the things that set owls apart from other raptors in nature is silent flight, due to hair like extensions on the far leading edge of each wing. McMichael demonstrated the difference by whirling two sticks counterclockwise, one with and one without hairlike covering, the second being quieter than the first.

Other traits that set owls apart in the animal kingdom are large oval shaped eyes with a sclerotic ring that locks the eye in socket, double the vertebrae of a human neck and resulting neck mobility of 270 degrees, as well as raptor traits powerful claws and curved beaks.

Opportunistic predators who sit in wait before ambushing prey from above, owls also have extra feathering around their feet to encourage stealth, with claws that close ten times stronger than a human hand. Owl prey in the wild includes mice, squirrels, shrews, rats, rabbits, and

“Some owls will even eat other owls,” she said. Owls cannot chew food like humans do, with undigestible parts like bones and fur kept in a separate pouch and regurgitated every few weeks or months in the form of owl pellets.

McMichael then went over several owl species in Wisconsin, including the Great Horned Owl, Northern Saw-Whet Owl, Snowy Owl, Barn Owl, and Barred Owl, each with their own mneumonic (specific call) and characteristics.

Starting with the Great Horned Owl, McMichael said they were large and common, and could be identified by the call that sounded like “Who’s awake? I am?”

Next on the list, the Northern Saw-Whet Owl is the smallest owl in Wisconsin, standing only about seven inches tall. With a high pitched vocalization that sounded like “too-too-too,” the smallest owl in Wisconsin was among dinner items for larger ones.

“Barred owls will eat saw-whet owls,” McMichael said.

Third on the list of Wisconsin owl species was the snowy owl, found in the tundra further north but migrating south in winter, and preferring flat, open spaces like airports.

“They like airports,” McMichael said of snowy owls and a place that reminded them of home. “There are a few snowy owls at the Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport each year.” Fourth on the list of Wisconsin owl species was the barn owl, with a pale front, distinctive heart shaped face and a call that sounds like a scream.

“People thought their barns were haunted,” McMichael said of the barn owl’s favored hangout.

Last on the list of featured owl species Thursday was a Barred Owl, a common species characterized by vertical stripes and a mneumonic that sounded like “Who cooks for you?” in English.

Securing the cooperation of the 40 people present (including 28 children), McMichael then opened a carrier and brought out Luna, an adult female Barred Owl serving as an animal ambassador. McMichael shared that Luna is fed frozen prey (mice or chicks) to insure hygeine and prevent feeding injury.

Weighing in at 1.5 pounds with hollow bones under her feathers, Luna came to Beaver Creek after being hit by a car in 2014.

Drawn to the roadside by mice and rodents who themselves are drawn by discarded trash and other items, barred owls can fly from 30 to 40 miles per hour, with females larger than males.

The driver who struck Luna took her to an animal rescue after realizing she was injured, with the name Luna coming from scar tissue in one eye that looks like a half moon. Deemed unreleasable due to being blind in one eye after recovery, she came to the Reserve, where she gets regular feedings, vet checks, and more. Part blind and human dependent for survival, Luna wears leather jesses attached to her ankles and a leash for security when serving as an animal ambassador. McMichael shared that owl friends from the wild sometimes bring a mouse or other item to her enclosure, sure to look after her as well. Luna was returned to her enclosure after several questions from those in attendance, answered by McMichael. An x-ray was shared showing Luna’s small frame under her feathers.

Back at the library on Thursday, attendees were dismissed to color and have a book read by Anne Diers, while pre-registered attendees had a chance to dissect sterilized owl pellets, making several finds.